Search

The manuscript conducts a comparative analysis to assess the impact of noise on medical images using a proposed threshold value estimation approach. It applies an innovative method for edge detection on images of varying complexity, considering different noise types and concentrations of noise. Five edges are evaluated on images with low, medium, and high detail levels. This study focuses on medical images from three distinct datasets: retinal images, brain tumor segmentation, and lung segmentation from CT scans. The importance of noise analysis is heightened in medical imaging, as noise can significantly obscure the critical features and potentially lead to misdiagnoses. Images are categorized based on the complexity, providing a multidimensional view of noise's effect on edge detection. The algorithm utilized the grid search (GS) method and random search with nine values (RS9). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, especially when using the Canny operator, across diverse noise types and intensities. Laplace operators are most affected by noise, yet significant improvements are observed with the new approach, particularly when using the grid search method. The obtained results are compared with the most popular techniques for edge detection using deep learning like AlexNet, ResNet, VGGNet, MobileNetv2, and Inceptionv3. The paper presents the results via graphs and edge images, along with a detailed analysis of each operator's performance with noisy images using the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrodiversity system with macrodiversity SC receiver and three microdiversity MRC (maximum ratio combining) receivers is considered. Independent k-μ short-term fading and correlated Gamma long-term fading are present at the inputs of microdiversity MRC receivers. For this model, the probability density function and the cumulative density function of microdiversity MRC receivers and macrodiversity SC receiver output signal envelopes are calculated. Influences of Gamma shadowing severity, k-μ multipath fading severity, Rician factor and correlation coefficient at probability density function, and cumulative density function of macrodiversity SC receiver output signal envelopes are graphically presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of an analysis of highdefinition television (HDTV) channels transmitted by European satellites during the period from first day of regular broadcasting (2004) until 1 January 2015. The data cut-off date was on 1 January each year, including 1 January 2015. The article also explains how the channels changed during each year, in relation to both the country where they were broadcast and the satellite position from which they were transmitted. It shows how these HDTV channels changed to comply with broadcasting standards and coding principles. The changes in the number of satellite HDTV channels of different genres are given for each year, as well as the percentage of channels of each genre in the countries with the largest satellite HDTV markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Gram-positive pathogens can cause serious infections in neutropenic patients with cancer, and vancomycin therapy is often initiated empirically. Linezolid may offer an option for these patients. Methods. To compare the safety and efficacy of linezolid and vancomycin in febrile, neutropenic patients with cancer, we conducted a double-blind, multicenter equivalence study. Eligible patients with proven or suspected infection due to a gram-positive pathogen were randomized to receive linezolid or vancomycin. Results. Clinical success rates 7 days after completion of therapy (primary end point) were equivalent between groups in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis (linezolid, 219 [87.3%] of 251 patients; vancomycin, 202 [85.2%] of 237 patients; 95% CI, -4.1 to 8.1; P = 52), modified ITT analysis, clinically evaluable analysis, and microbiologically evaluable analysis, as well as between subsets analyzed by malignancy and infection type. Mean time to defervescence was shorter for linezolid than vancomycin in the modified ITT (6.6 vs. 8.5 days; P = .04) and microbiologically evaluable subsets (5.9 vs. 9.1 days; P = .01), although post hoc analyses revealed delayed recovery of absolute neutrophil counts for linezolid in these subsets (P<.05). There were no between-group differences in microbiologic success rates in the modified ITT subset (41 [57.7%] of 71 patients vs. 29 [50.0%] of 58 patients; P = .38) and microbiologically evaluable subsets, as well as in mortality rates in the ITT subset (17 [5.6%] of 304 patients vs. 23 [7.6%] of 301 patients; P = .31) and all subsets. Distribution of adverse events, including reported hematologic events, was similar between groups, except that linezolid was associated with fewer drug-related adverse events (52 [17.2%] of 303 patients vs. 72 [24.0%] of 300 patients; P = .04) and fewer cases of drug-related renal failure (1 [0.3%] of 303 patients vs. 7 [2.3%] of patients; P = .04). Conclusions. Linezolid demonstrated efficacy and similar safety outcomes equivalent to those for vancomycin in febrile neutropenic patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response to a letter to the editor on the comparison between the efficacy of linezolid and vancomycin in neutropenic patients is presented.

The matricellular protein SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine)/osteonectin was determined in patients with multiple myeloma and related disease to assess the hypothesized role of SPARC as a possible marker of tumor burden and disease progression. Soluble SPARC was measured by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in plasma of 42 patients, including sequential measurements in individual patients, and in 20 healthy controls. SPARC values were heterogeneous in multiple myeloma patients showing a decline from baseline levels recorded in controls (456±195 vs 600±63 ng/ml,p=0.00023). A SPARC showed a significant positive correlation with platelet count (r=0.72,p=0.000000,n=42), hemoglobin (r=0.52,p=0.00037,n=42), and IgG level (r=0.43,p=0.0085,n=42) and negative correlation with ß2-microglobulin (r=-0.46,p=0.0023,n=42), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (r=-0.42,p=0.0061,n=41), interleukin (IL)-6 (r=-0.41,p=0.008,n=42), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (r=-0.36,p=0.02,n=41), and percentage of plasma cells in bone marrow aspirate (r=-0.34,p=0.029,n=42). No correlation was found between SPARC and “M” component or disease stage. Investigations performed during the course of disease, including sequential measurements in individual patients, showed a trend to downregulation by disease progression, with the lowest level recorded in the terminal stage (217±107 ng/ml,n=11). Patients with established osteolytic lesions had lower plasma SPARC at diagnosis (309±197 vs 581±293,p=0.021), which correlated with osteocalcin by disease progression (r=0.31,p=0.026). The results of this pilot study revealed abnormalities in the level of humoral SPARC in multiple myeloma and an overall trend to downregulation in the advanced stage of the disease. The regulation of SPARC seems to be opposite to the markers of tumor burden and of aggressive multiple myeloma phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of the Total Tumour Mass score (TM) system in the evaluation of response of inhibitors of B-cell receptor (BCR) to B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The advantages of the TTM system include understanding of the tumor burden in major tumor cell compartments, the kinetic response of BCR signaling inhibitor monotherapy and the distribution of tumors and lymphocyte. Other benefits of the system are mentioned.

It is proposed that a locally active, intrinsic renin–angiotensin system (RAS) exists in the bone marrow (BM) and plays a role in regulating haematopoiesis. Angiotensin II type I receptor has been detected on erythroid burst-forming unit-derived cells; its antagonist losartan and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can suppress erythropoiesis. The possible role of ACE/RAS in BM was investigated by evaluating ACE expression in normal BM, several myeloproliferative disorders and myelodysplasia. Immunohistochemical studies showed that erythroid elements expressed ACE protein in both normal and disturbed haematopoiesis. The presence of ACE in erythroid cells suggests another mechanism for direct ACE inhibitor activity in erythropoiesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of different wavelet transformations and decomposition on edge detection was examined, using convenient operators to images of various complexities. Berkeley Segmentation Database images with the corresponding ground truth were used. The categorization of those images was accomplished according to the degree of complexity in three groups (small, medium, and large number of details), by using discrete cosine transformation and discrete wavelet transformation. Three levels of decomposition for eight wavelet transformations and five operators for edge detection were applied on these images. As an objective measure of the quality for edge detection, the parameters "performance ratio" and "F-measure" were used. The obtained results showed that edge detection operators behaved differently in images with a different number of details. Decomposition significantly degrades the image, but useful information can be extracted at the third level of decomposition, because the image with a different number of details behaves differently at each level. For an image with a certain number of details, decomposition Level 3 in some cases gives better results than Level 2. The obtained results can be applied to image compression with different complexity. By selecting a certain combination of operators and decomposition levels, a higher compression ratio with preserving a larger amount of useful image information can be achieved. Depending on the image resolution whereby the number of details varies, an operator optimization can be performed according to the decomposition level in order to obtain the best possible edge detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is an incurable and chronic disorder, with worsening prognosis for patients as their disease progresses. We compared the efficacy and safety of the combination of fludarabine and alemtuzumab with fludarabine monotherapy in previously treated patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. Methods: Patients (aged ≥18 years) with CLL Binet stage A, B, or C or Rai stages I–IV were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio according to a computer-generated allocation schedule to open-label combination treatment (fludarabine 30 mg/m2 per day and alemtuzumab 30 mg per day on days 1–3) or monotherapy (fludarabine 25 mg/m2 on days 1–5) by use of an interactive voice response system. Both regimens were given intravenously for a maximum of six 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00086580. Findings: Fludarabine plus alemtuzumab (n=168) resulted in better PFS than did fludarabine monotherapy (n=167; median 23·7 months [95% CI 19·2–28·4] vs 16·5 months [12·5–21·2]; hazard ratio 0·61 [95% CI 0·47–0·80]; p=0·0003) and overall survival (median not reached vs 52·9 months [40·9–not reached]; 0·65 [0·45–0·94]; p=0·021) compared with fludarabine alone. All-cause adverse events occurred in 161 (98%) of 164 patients in the combination treatment group and 149 (90%) of 165 in the fludarabine alone group. Patients in the fludarabine plus alemtuzumab group had more cytomegalovirus events (23 [14%] vs one [<1%]) and grade 1 or 2 potentially alemtuzumab infusion-related adverse reactions (102 [62%] vs 22 [13%]). Grade 3 or 4 toxicities in the combination treatment and monotherapy groups were leucopenia (121 [74%] of 164 vs 55 [34%] of 164), lymphopenia (149 [94%] of 158 vs 53 [33%] of 161), neutropenia (93 [59%] of 157 vs 110 [68%] of 161), thrombocytopenia (18 [11%] of 164 vs 27 [17%] of 163), and anaemia (14 [9%] of 163 vs 28 [17%] of 164). The incidence of serious adverse events was higher in the combination treatment group (54 [33%] of 164 vs 41 [25%] of 165); deaths due to adverse events were similar between the two groups (ten [6%] vs 12 [7%]). Interpretation: The combination of fludarabine and alemtuzumab is another treatment option for patients with previously treated CLL. Funding: Genzyme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a new approach to edge detection based on the application of an adequate adaptive algorithm for edge detection depending on the image complexity criteria. The complexity of the image was determined based on spatial information. Also, a new approach of estimating threshold for edge detection has been developed, which is based on the principles of machine learning, by applying grid search and random search. For analysis and testing, images with real scenes were used. This dataset was used to improve threshold estimation using the grid and random search methods. Based on the obtained results, it can be seen that the complexity significantly affects the edge detection, so with a low and medium number of details, the Roberts operator achieved good results. For images with a high number of details, the Canny operator has proven to be the best solution. New approach for estimate the threshold based on the grid search improves edge detection, especially with the Canny operator. Grid search-based method gives best results but it takes a lot of computational time. If computational time and the improvements obtained are taken into account, more effective optimization of the parameters for estimating threshold values is random search method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes cases of acute leukemia occurring in patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia with remarkably similar time cluster. The use of a full panel of monoclonal antibodies for immunophenotyping provides information about cell heterogeneity, as well as information with respect to the presence of an unexpected second malignancy. The patients shared a few important epidemiological characteristics including possible exposure to depleted uranium.